Blue Cross Blue Shield Overhaul May Be Dead Until 2013

A proposal to end Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's tax-exempt status and transform it from a charitable trust to customer-owned nonprofit remains in a legislative committee as lawmakers work out concerns related to elderly coverage and other issues. The House Insurance Committee hearing on the measures was adjourned Thursday and hasn't been rescheduled. House Speaker Jase Bolger spokesman Ari Adler says there's still time to solve the issues before the end of the year and session. A version of the legislation passed the Senate in October. Supporters of the proposal say it modernizes the insurer and allows it to be taxed and regulated in the same way as its competitors. Critics counter it short-shrifts the elderly and reduces oversight of a company controlling 70 percent of the market.

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